Legality of Saskatchewan Online Casino Questioned

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The provincial government in Saskatchewan (Canada) refused to comment on the
opening of the online casino launched in the First Nations jurisdiction on
Tuesday, saying that it prefers to monitor the situation and check the legality
of the venture before giving interviews.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Northern Bear, said that the
casino would definitely attract controversy and test the limits of the First
Nations.

Bernie Shepherd said: "Like any business, I'm doing it to make money. I hope
we can be successful globally."

Shepherd said that although he was aware that the provincial government had
not given the green light to the venture - something which goes against Canadian
gambling laws - he was not afraid of the challenge it brought with it.

He called on the First Nations to "grab a piece" of the industry, and join
the venture, which is being run from the White Bear First Nation, SE of Regina.

Shepherd recently left a top position at the Federation of Saskatchewan
Indian Nations in order to start the company and offer online gambling to the
public.

Shepherd was heavily embroiled in a gambling battle which took place between
the provincial government and First Nations in 1993, when authorities raided a
casino at White Bear. Shepherd and others arrested along with him were never
charged and the government eventually signed an agreement with the First Nations
to allow gaming within their jurisdiction. Today, White Bear is home to several
casinos.

First Nations Sought Legal Advice

Although Shepherd admits that he has not approached the authorities about his
new venture, he has consulted with lawyers and industry experts.

"It's the same as '93," he said about the first Saskatchewan online casino.
"Any time First Nations get into anything that generates revenue, governments
try to say it's illegal. We're going to create revenue and jobs, and there are
no taxpayer dollars required."